Jurgen Klopp known as Liverpool's League Cup closing victory towards Chelsea the 'most particular' trophy of his profession because the German realized he can win with kids.
Virgil van Dijk sealed Liverpool's 1-0 win on Sunday with a dramatic header two minutes after the tip of additional time at Wembley.
Liverpool's win was particularly candy for Klopp because it got here throughout an injury-stricken spell for his membership, forcing him to subject a remarkably inexperienced workforce.
The Reds boss began with 20-year-olds Conor Bradley and Harvey Elliott in his facet and introduced on Bobby Clark (19), James McConnell (19), Jayden Danns (18) and Jarell Quansah (21) from the bench.
Accidents had robbed Klopp of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Alisson Becker and Joel Matip, whereas Ryan Gravenberch was stretchered off within the first half.
Below these circumstances, Klopp ranked the seventh main trophy of his nine-year Liverpool reign as probably the most memorable of his profession.
“In additional than twenty years, that is by far probably the most particular trophy I’ve ever gained. It’s completely distinctive,” he says.
“Typically individuals ask me if I'm happy with issues and that's very troublesome. I want I may really feel proud extra usually, however tonight is an awesome feeling.
“I used to be happy with everybody who was concerned in every part right here. I used to be happy with our academy, I used to be happy with my coaches, I used to be happy with so many issues. It was fully overwhelming.”
Former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen famously criticized Alex Ferguson's choice to donate blood to a bunch of Manchester United kids, together with David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, saying: “You possibly can't win something with kids “.
It was a flip that caught Hansen once more as United's children dominated the Premier League.
Klopp had by no means heard Hansen's quote till the aftermath of Sunday's victory, when it struck a chord with the emotional German.
'I used to be informed there may be an English expression: you don't win trophies with kids. I by no means knew that,” he mentioned.
“I liked it. Are you able to create tales in soccer which have by no means occurred earlier than? It’s so onerous. If you will discover a narrative a couple of group of children from the academy enjoying towards a prime workforce like Chelsea and profitable, that's unbelievable.”
– 'A reminiscence ceaselessly' –
Carrying a bemused grin within the moments after Van Dijk's objective and at his greatest through the post-match celebrations, Klopp relished each second of what may properly be his closing go to to Wembley following his latest announcement that he’ll go away Liverpool to depart. the tip of the season.
“I don't care what my legacy is. That's not why I'm right here. It had nothing to do with my final sport at Wembley,” he mentioned.
“It was about seeing the youngsters' faces. For me it’s a very stunning reminiscence ceaselessly.”
Requested when he knew Liverpool's new signings have been able to step onto the large stage, Klopp mentioned: “Clearly age is just not a problem in any respect. In coaching it was clear that these have been the fellows we have been going to take with us (to the ultimate). We would have liked new legs.”
Whereas Klopp hopes Liverpool's success will enhance their bid to remain on the prime of the Premier League and win the FA Cup and Europa League, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has needed to urge his gamers to embrace the ache of defeat.
Pochettino's facet paid for losing a collection of possibilities to remove Liverpool in the direction of the tip of regular time.
“We didn't get the reward we wished. They need to fill the ache. We performed for a trophy that we didn't get. There’s nothing you possibly can inform me to make me really feel higher,” mentioned Pochettino, who continues to be with out a trophy in English soccer.
“They’ve to comprehend that we have now to work extra, do higher issues, to compete at this stage towards a workforce that has been doing nice issues for years.
“Liverpool have misplaced finals up to now, however they saved shifting and saved believing. That’s an instance for us.”